5 Ways The CALD Community Can Gain Better Access To NDIS Services in Australia
Understanding the barriers preventing CALD Australians with disabilities from accessing NDIS services and finding solutions to clear the path.
Australia has a significant number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people in its population, and while many companies and organisations are doing more to recognise this group, the CALD community still struggles with accessing NDIS services. This is for various reasons such as cultural or language barriers.
According to the NDIS, by June 2019 there were 24,023 CALD participants in the NDIS, making up 8.4% of all scheme participants. But an article in Australian Ageing Agenda says that figure should be around 20% based on research that shows that disability occurs at a similar rate in CALD participants and non-CALD participants.
In a Productivity Commission report of 2017 entitled The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Costs, it was found that CALD people with disabilities are one of several key groups that may not be getting the full benefits of the NDIS or may have less positive experiences when engaging with the scheme. We explore some of the reasons for this as well as some possible solutions that will allow better access to NDIS services.
- Cultural barriers and competency training
Cultural differences play a big role in preventing CALD communities from accessing NDIS services. In some cultural groups disability can be seen as a bad omen and not spoken about, or there is a fear of being shunned by the rest of the family. Also, with a strong focus on the family unit, individual care is unheard of, and people with disabilities are looked after by the whole family. Some families may see it as irresponsible or as a failure to employ an assistant to look after a loved one. Some cultural groups may also prefer to have a carer of the same gender, as a male carer helping a female with personal hygiene or grooming may be inappropriate. This is where cultural competency training can be highly useful as a solution. If NDIS support staff are trained to handle cultural sensitivities such as gender preferences, these issues can be avoided or treated in a delicate, respectful way.
- Translation
Navigating the NDIS can be especially difficult for someone whose first language is not English. There are confusing terms and explanations, and so many different options to choose from, it’s understandable that CALD participants may feel like they don’t know enough about it to make use of the services offered. Translation services need to be readily available to this community and it needs to be funded in order to be accessible to all. By simply breaking through the language barrier, a remarkable difference may be seen in accessing NDIS services for the CALD community.
- Incorporating CALD members in the NDIS workforce
If a person of a different background visits an NDIS provider or sees a brochure and is met by people that represent his/her culture they immediately feel a sense of welcoming and belonging. It’s important for CALD participants to feel represented by NDIS service providers and that their needs are being met. Similarly, when creating NDIS policies and programs, by including CALD volunteers or community leaders in this process, their needs and sensitivities are less likely to be excluded.
- Breaking through stigma and shame
A study conducted in 2017 by the Australian Centre for Community Services Research at Flinders University found that there is a great deal of stigma and shame when it comes to mental illness, disability, and seeking help. These barriers prevent the CALD community from utilising NDIS services. It will take a widespread effort from communities, leaders, NDIS providers and the media to open up dialogue and help break through this stigma so that those who need the support can benefit from disability services within the CALD community.
- Simplified marketing
Knowing that cultural and linguistic barriers are preventing CALD Australians from accessing NDIS services, this should permeate through to marketing methods as well. Literary material with complex jargon simply will not work. Marketing for NDIS services needs to be simplified and packaged in a more visual, experiential way that can be easily understood and appreciated by people of different ethnic backgrounds.
An all-inclusive outlook
D&AC Services is proud to be run by CALD Australians. We are particularly focused on the needs of the CALD community and ensuring equal access to the NDIS. We want people from the CALD community to feel represented and that their needs will be taken care of. We can help you understand the NDIS and gain access to the relevant supports with an extra touch of sensitivity, a depth of cultural understanding, and the right language skills to meet your needs. Translation services are also on offer, including on our website. So don’t hesitate, get in touch today at 1800 362 278 and let’s work together to achieve your goals.
[REFERENCES]
https://anglicaresa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/NDIS-CALD-Report-FINAL-2017.pdf